New Quadrivalent Meningococcal Vaccine: Focus on Adolescent Vaccination with Long-term Protection Options

Relevance. Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), caused in the Russian Federation (RF) by serogroups A, C, W, Y, and B, ranks among the leading causes of mortality from infectious diseases in children and adolescents under 17 years of age, resulting in a significant medical and social burden. The epidemiological situation in the Russian Federation has deteriorated substantially in recent years, reaching the highest incidence rates in the past 5 years, including among adolescents, which necessitates improving approaches to vaccine prevention for this age group as the second priority after infants in the first months of life. Aim. To analyze the effectiveness of the new conjugate meningococcal vaccine MenACWY-TT and its compliance with the criteria for selecting a vaccine for routine immunization of adolescents within the framework of regional immunization schedules and vaccination programs. Materials and Methods. A review of clinical studies involving over 17,000 participants, including adolescents, evaluating MenACWY-TT in comparison with other quadrivalent vaccines (MCV4-CRM, MCV4-TT, MCV4-DT) is presented. The parameters assessed include immunogenicity (seroprotection, seroconversion, GMT), safety, and the potential for co-administration with other vaccines. Results and Discussion. In adolescents aged 10–17 years, MenACWY-TT vaccine demonstrated statistically significantly higher or comparable immune response across all parameters compared to other meningococcal vaccines against serogroups A, C, W, Y. Immunity developed rapidly (by day 6), persisted for up to 7–10 years, and achieved 99–100 % seroprotection upon revaccination. The vaccine demonstrated a favorable safety profile and compatibility with vaccines against 15 infections, including those recommended before military conscription. Conclusion. MenACWY-TT vaccine fully meets the criteria for routine immunization of adolescents in the Russian Federation: high immunogenicity against serogroups relevant in the RF during vaccination and revaccination, rapid development of immune protection that persists for 7–10 years, proven safety and compatibility with all vaccines in the national immunization schedule and those recommended before military conscription.

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